BACK on Air by Backhouse Jones

Hosted by Backhouse Jones

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

103

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The latest in road transport law

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 22, 2026Episode 181 hr 1 min

Financial standing, bridge strikes, enforcement technology and more

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business. This podcast is a recording of our live fortnightly webinar held every other Friday. So, if you like what you hear and fancy joining the live event – where you can ask questions and vote in our interactive polls – you can register here: https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/ In this episode, we discuss the financial pressures facing road transport operators amid ongoing uncertainty around fuel costs, exploring the importance of maintaining financial standing and the options available when finances come under pressure. We look at when operators should contact the Office of the Traffic Commissioner (OTC) and when a period of grace may be available. We also explore fuel escalator clauses and how these can help businesses manage fluctuating fuel costs, alongside the importance of driver welfare in an increasingly challenging operating environment. Finally, we turn to safety and enforcement, examining the lessons to be learned from TfL’s £2 million prosecution and the ongoing challenges posed by bridge strikes. We consider what these issues mean for operators and the practical steps businesses can take to manage risk, improve safety and maintain compliance. Whether you're a transport manager, operator, compliance professional or industry leader, this episode offers practical insights into the financial, operational and regulatory challenges affecting the road transport sector today. This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice. If you need specific help, please seek professional legal guidance. Like the episode? Leave us a review and tell us what you'd like us to cover next – we read every one, and your feedback helps others find us. Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.uk www.backhousejones.co.uk

October 6, 2026Episode 171 hr 0 min

Technology, leadership, regulation and the latest issues affecting operators

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business. This podcast is a recording of our live fortnightly webinar held every other Friday. So, if you like what you hear and fancy joining the live event – where you can ask questions and vote in our interactive polls – you can register here: https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/ In this episode, we explore the recently published Traffic Commissioners' Annual Report 2025-26 and Strategic Objectives 2026-2029, examining what the new priorities and expectations mean for operators and transport managers across the industry. We're also joined by special guest Shamil Maindiratta, UK Managing Director at FlixBus , who shares his insights on the evolving transport sector, the growing role of technology and AI, and how businesses can successfully adapt to an increasingly digital landscape. Together, we discuss digital transformation, leadership, workplace culture, innovation and the opportunities and challenges that emerging technologies present for operators. Looking ahead, we consider how AI and digital business practices could shape the future of transport in the years to come. Whether you're a transport manager, operator, compliance professional or industry leader, this episode offers practical insights into the regulatory and technological changes influencing the road transport sector today. This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice. If you need specific help, please seek professional legal guidance. Like the episode? Leave us a review and tell us what you'd like us to cover next – we read every one, and your feedback helps others find us. Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.uk www.backhousejones.co.uk

September 21, 2026Episode 161 hr 1 min

The road ahead: Vehicle checks, employment checks and wheel checks

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business. This podcast is a recording of our live fortnightly webinar held every other Friday. So, if you like what you hear and fancy joining the live event – where you can ask questions and vote in our interactive polls – you can register here: https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/ In this episode, we look at some of the issues currently affecting operators, from DVSA vehicle checks and On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) checks to the latest employment law changes. We discuss how OBD checks are being used to identify unlawful vehicle modifications, including AdBlue system modifications, before turning to the next stage of the Employment Rights Act coming into force on 1 October. We also answer some of the employment questions we’re being asked most frequently. We then take a closer look at wheel loss, covering wheel torques, mating surfaces, whether to oil or not to oil, the impact of weather, snapped studs and what to do when things go wrong. Whether you're a transport manager, operator, compliance professional or driver, this episode covers a range of practical issues that can have a real impact on day-to-day operations. This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice. If you need specific help, please seek professional legal guidance. Like the episode? Leave us a review and tell us what you'd like us to cover next – we read every one, and your feedback helps others find us. Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.uk www.backhousejones.co.uk

September 7, 2026Episode 151 hr 1 min

Tachograph Special

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business. This podcast is a recording of our live fortnightly webinar held every other Friday. So, if you like what you hear and fancy joining the live event – where you can ask questions and vote in our interactive polls – you can register here: https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/ In this special episode, we're putting tachographs under the spotlight with a Q&A session featuring Gordon Humphreys from Foster Transport Compliance. Gordon tackles questions and real-life scenarios submitted by operators, covering the tachograph issues that can sometimes leave you wondering what the rules actually mean in practice. From drivers' hours and recording requirements to those tricky situations where the answer isn't always straightforward, we work through the questions that matter to operators and their drivers. Whether you're a transport manager, operator, compliance professional or driver, this episode offers practical guidance and expert insight to help you stay on the right side of the tachograph rules. This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice. If you need specific help, please seek professional legal guidance. Like the episode? Leave us a review and tell us what you'd like us to cover next – we read every one, and your feedback helps others find us. Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.uk www.backhousejones.co.uk

July 29, 2026Episode 141 hr 1 min

Q&A before the summer break

July 13, 2026Episode 131 hr 2 min

EES, Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness, ADAS & MPRS

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business. This podcast is a recording of our live fortnightly webinar held every other Friday. So, if you like what you hear and fancy joining the live event – where you can ask questions and vote in our interactive polls – you can register here: https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/ In this episode, the BACK Academy team discusses the upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES), what operators need to know about biometrics and Schengen travel, and the potential impact on drivers' 90-day allowance. We also explore the latest updates to the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness, what the recent changes mean for operators, speed limit and ADAS interference, the latest MPRS updates, and other key industry news to help keep your operation compliant and informed. We cover: The Entry/Exit System (EES) – what operators need to know Biometrics, Schengen travel, and the potential impact on drivers' 90-day allowance Updates to the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness and what the latest changes mean for operators Speed limit and ADAS interference The latest MPRS updates Other key industry news and compliance developments Whether you're managing a fleet, overseeing compliance, or simply keeping up to date with the latest regulatory changes, this episode provides practical insight into the issues currently affecting the road transport industry. This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice. If you need specific help, please seek professional legal guidance. Like the episode? Leave us a review and tell us what you'd like us to cover next – we read every one, and your feedback helps others find us. Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.uk www.backhousejones.co.uk

July 13, 2026Episode 121 hr 0 min

BACK Academy takeover

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business. This podcast is a recording of our live fortnightly webinar held every other Friday. So, if you like what you hear and fancy joining the live event – where you can ask questions and vote in our interactive polls – you can register here: https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/ In this episode, the BACK Academy team reflects on the first half of 2026, sharing the key themes, recurring discussion points, and best practices emerging from six months of training courses delivered across the industry. From the compliance topics generating the most questions to the operational challenges operators continue to face, this session highlights the practical lessons that can help strengthen compliance and improve day-to-day performance. We explore: The key learning points emerging from the first six months of 2026 The compliance topics and regulatory issues generating the most questions from operators Common challenges businesses continue to face and how they can be addressed Best practice guidance and practical actions to strengthen operational compliance The trends and recurring themes identified through BACK Academy training delivered across the industry Whether you've attended one of our training courses or not, this episode offers valuable insight into the issues affecting operators right now, along with practical advice to help you stay compliant and prepared. This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice. If you need specific help, please seek professional legal guidance. Like the episode? Leave us a review and tell us what you'd like us to cover next – we read every one, and your feedback helps others find us. Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.uk www.backhousejones.co.uk

June 15, 2026Episode 111 hr 0 min

Inquests, investigations and operator responsibilities

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business. This podcast is a recording of our live fortnightly webinar held every other Friday. So, if you like what you hear and fancy joining the live event – where you can ask questions and vote in our interactive polls – you can register here: https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/ In this episode, we take a look at recent issues arising from inquests, investigations, and operator responsibilities, with a particular focus on where health and safety law intersects with transport operations. From prevention of future deaths reports through to RIDDOR reporting and the practical realities of managing risk across bus, coach, and road transport operations, this session explores what operators need to be aware of in today’s regulatory environment. We explore: Inquests and Prevention of Future Deaths reports – what they are, what they mean for operators, and the practical steps businesses should consider in response Where health and safety law meets road traffic incidents – understanding when the HSE has jurisdiction and how investigations may overlap Bus and coach operations – a practical discussion on managing situations involving unwell passengers and associated operational challenges RIDDOR reporting requirements – clarifying when incidents are reportable and what this means in practice for operators Managing risks associated with self-employed drivers – key considerations for oversight, responsibility, and practical risk management approaches This session is packed with practical guidance and real-world insight to help operators navigate complex regulatory boundaries and strengthen day-to-day operational compliance. This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice. If you need specific help, please seek professional legal guidance. Like the episode? Leave us a review and tell us what you’d like us to cover next – we read every one, and your feedback helps others find us. Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.uk www.backhousejones.co.uk

June 15, 2026Episode 101 hr 2 min

Wise up to tachographs: Live Q+A

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business. This podcast is a recording of our live fortnightly webinar held every other Friday. So, if you like what you hear and fancy joining the live event – where you can ask questions and vote in our interactive polls – you can register here: https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/ BACK by popular demand, Gordon Humphreys of Foster Transport Compliance returns for another tachograph episode, giving you the chance to wise up on the rules behind tachographs, how they apply in real-world operations – and ask any burning questions. Following strong interest in the last session, this episode continues the conversation, taking a look at the most common questions raised by operators, including: How tachograph data is analysed and how to interpret what the records are really showing Common issues and anomalies, including micro-movements, overspeed events, and missing mileage Common analysis and process mistakes How to approach driver follow-up, training, and escalation decisions How infringements should be assessed in context and much more! This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice. If you need specific help, please seek professional legal guidance. Like the episode? Leave us a review and tell us what you’d like us to cover next – we read every one, and your feedback helps others find us. Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.uk www.backhousejones.co.uk

May 18, 2026Episode 91 hr 2 min

Cyber special

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business. This podcast is a recording of our live fortnightly webinar held every other Friday. So, if you like what you hear and fancy joining the live event – where you can ask questions and vote in our interactive polls – you can register here: https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/ In this episode, we’re joined by guest speaker Neil Topham from rradar as we take a practical look at cyber risk, legal updates, and operational resilience for transport operators. From cyber attacks and counter-terrorism awareness to the latest guidance surrounding Martyn’s Law, this session explores the growing pressures facing operators and what businesses can do to improve resilience in an increasingly complex risk environment. We explore: The Knights of Old cyber attack case study – what happened, how a single weak password contributed to the collapse of a 158-year-old haulage business, and the key lessons for operators Practical cyber risk management – including prevention, response, recovery, and improving cyber resilience across your operation Martyn’s Law latest guidance (April 2026) – what’s changed and what transport operators need to understand in practice Counter-terrorism considerations for operators, including vehicle use awareness and wider operational responsibilities What the UK National Threat Level being raised to Severe means for operators and the wider transport sector This session is packed with practical guidance and real-world insight to help operators better understand emerging risks and strengthen operational resilience. This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice. If you need specific help, please seek professional legal guidance. Like the episode? Leave us a review and tell us what you’d like us to cover next – we read every one, and your feedback helps others find us. Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.uk www.backhousejones.co.uk